Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) waves as she walks on stage during the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP)

Marcia Fudge, the Democratic Ohio congresswoman who has openly mulled a bid for House speaker, dropped out of the potential running Tuesday and endorsed Nancy Pelosi.

Fudge’s unexpected announcement gives Pelosi a much-needed boost as she vies to take on the powerful House post.

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“My consideration was due in large part to the lack of sustained efforts that ensure diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of the House,” Fudge said in a statement.

However, Fudge said she changed her mind after Pelosi assured her that “black women will have a seat at the decision-making table.”

“I am now confident that we will move forward together,” Fudge said.

Pelosi (D-Calif.), who currently serves as the House minority leader, is facing an uphill climb to become the next speaker in light of 16 centrist Democrats signing a letter earlier this week pledging to oppose her candidacy.

The defiant Dems — who include incoming New York Reps. Max Rose and Anthony Brindisi — commended Pelosi on her decades of service but argued the party needs a new leader as it reclaims control of the House in January. Another five Dems have made public statements critical of Pelosi’s leadership and are rumored to be considering voting against her as well.

No other Democrats have announced or openly considered a run for speaker and the dissidents have not offered up an alternative candidate.

Incoming New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced her support for Pelosi on Monday night and took a shot at the Dems who are swinging the other direction.

“When I was reading this letter that was kind of released today, my main concern was that there is no vision, there is no common value, there is no goal that is really articulated in this letter aside from ‘We need to change,’” the Bronx-born progressive told MSNBC.

With Democrats expected to hold roughly a 16-seat edge over Republicans in the lower chamber, the announced opposition puts Pelosi in a precarious situation, as she needs a simple majority to prevail. It remains unclear if Pelosi will be able to court any Republican support.